Mike Bindraban

His expertise lies mainly in the (international) arts & culture sector, royal affairs, colonial and slavery history, constitutional law, human rights and social justice in the broadest sense.

Through his work experience in various public consultation and advisory bodies at both municipal and national level, as well as within the cultural world, Mike has always maintained an affinity with his own diaspora. Coming from a Surinamese family and growing up in both Sint Maarten and the Netherlands, Mike is a true citizen of the Kingdom. In 2022, he became project leader for Dialogue & Education for the City Programme on Colonial and Slavery History in Rotterdam. Here, he was involved in streamlining cultural programmes in the city, forming dialogue tables, city discussions and developing community-based subsidy schemes.

Beyond human rights and social justice, Mike’s other great love is jazz. As well as his extensive experience in research and consulting, Mike founded Good Music Company with his best friend in 2011. The international agency became a prominent player among the major agencies worldwide. In addition, he developed the Sounds of Diversity programme for the North Sea Jazz Festival and curated and conceived The Diaspora Suite with international stars and the Metropole Orchestra, among others. Today, he also uses all this knowledge and these networks as a member of the Supervisory Board of Rotterdam Festivals and as an advisor to the Performing Arts Fund.